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Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Dubai Health Board of Directors inaugural meeting of the second term approved plans for the new Diabetes Center. Set to open in 2026, the new center will offer services in alignment with the highest global standards. This project underscores Dubai Health's commitment to contributing towards the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which promotes healthy lifestyles and enhances the quality of health and preventive services.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, presided over the first meeting for the second term, held following Decree No. 53 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The meeting was held at Dubai Health's headquarters, attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Health, in addition to members of the Board of Directors including Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Professor Sir Ian Andrew Greer, Mohammed Hassan Al-Shehhi, Walid Saeed Al-Awadhi, the CEO of Dubai Health Dr. Amer Sharif, and the representative from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Professor Alawi Al-Sheikh Ali.

Creating a Sustainable Healthcare Sector

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum reaffirmed Dubai Health's dedication to positioning Dubai as one of the best cities in the world in healthcare, medical education and scientific research, guided by the Emirate's visionary leadership. His Highness thanked Dubai Health teams and encouraged them to continue championing the 'Patient-First' value.

A Fundamental Pillar

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, highlighted that Dubai Health will spare no effort to achieve the vision of the leadership to transform Dubai into a leading global model in advancing health for humanity, and how sustained investments in health and well-being have strengthened the healthcare ecosystem and reinforced public trust.

The Board of Directors Meeting

During its meeting, the Board discussed Dubai Health's key achievements in the first term and examined several upcoming strategic projects and programs aimed at enhancing care. The Board also reviewed progress on the Hamdan Bin Rashid Cancer Hospital and approved plans for a new Diabetes Center.

The New Diabetes Center

Scheduled to open in 2026, the new center embodies the integrated academic health system’s commitment to deliver care that evolves alongside continuous research and learning, in accordance with the highest international standards. The new center builds on the continuous service provided through the Diabetes Center, which celebrated 15 years of providing healthcare services to patients this year. Dubai Health's Diabetes Center has been a cornerstone of specialized diabetes care, having served over 15,000 patients since its establishment in 2009.

The new center will cover a total area of ​​more than 53,000 square feet, double the size of the current facility, and will enable Dubai Health to treat twice as many patients in the next 10 years. The center will also offer a broad range of services and advanced therapeutic programs, enhancing the comprehensive healthcare experience. The new location is also easily accessible from various areas of the Emirate of Dubai.

Her Excellency Dr. Raja Easa Al Gurg, Member of the Dubai Health Board of Directors and Chair of the Steering Committee of the new Diabetes Center, said: "The new facility with its patient centered design will strengthen the integrated healthcare ecosystem in Dubai. Through a sharp focus on medical innovation and the adoption of the latest technologies, we aim to continuously develop services that provide the highest levels of specialized care for diabetes patients.”

The Importance of the New Center

Dr. Mohamed Farooqi, Director of the Diabetes Center and Consultant Endocrinologist at Dubai Health, emphasized the importance of the new center and its pivotal role in supporting diabetes patients, stating: "The new center builds on Dubai Health's years of experience and commitment to exceptional care, offering both specialized treatment and prevention service to meet the needs for comprehensive care of patients across Dubai. With the addition of specialties such as cardiology, nephrology, and ophthalmology, we will be able to offer an advanced level of care."

He further commented: "The new center demonstrates our dedication to incorporating the latest technology into our academic health system, with an emphasis on integrating endocrinology specialties within pediatric care. We aim to deliver comprehensive treatment that meets patients' needs and helps to enhance their long-term health outcomes."

Dubai Health's new diabetes center underscores the growing importance of harnessing the promise of artificial intelligence alongside traditional methods of healthcare delivery. The facility will be equipped with advanced medical technology, and examination rooms will feature technologies designed to provide patients with a smooth and efficient experience.

Nine scientists from Dubai Health have been recognized in Stanford University’s 2024 list of the top 2% of scientists worldwide. This recognition marks the third straight year that faculty members from Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), which leads the Learning and Discovery missions of Dubai Health, have been honored for their continued contribution to international research.  

This year’s honorees include: Professor Nandu Goswami, Professor of Physiology at the College of Medicine; Professor Momen Atieh, Chair of Oral Diagnostics and Surgical Sciences at Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine; Professor Keyvan Moharamzadeh, Associate Dean of Education at Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine; Professor Samuel Ho, Professor of Medicine at the College of Medicine; Professor Thomas Adrian, Professor of Physiology at the College of Medicine; Professor Jeyaseelan Lakshmanan, Professor of Biostatistics at the College of Medicine; Dr. Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Associate Professor of Genetics; Dr. Mohammed Uddin, Associate Professor of Human Genetics; and Professor Stefan Du Plessis, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies. 

Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Provost of MBRU and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health, said: “This recognition is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our scientists and Dubai Health's commitment to advancing medical research. At MBRU, our faculty members are not only educators but also innovators who continue to push the boundaries of knowledge in service of better health outcomes. We are honored by this acknowledgment and remain dedicated to aligning our academic efforts directly with the needs of our patients and the community.” 

The recognition reinforces Dubai Health's commitment to advancing research excellence in healthcare and academia, positioning its faculty as leaders in their respective fields. 

Data-driven insights 

The World’s Top 2% Scientist Rankings by Stanford University is a prestigious annual list that recognizes the most cited researchers across various scientific disciplines globally. Based on data from ‘Scopus’, the rankings reflect scientific impact through citation metrics, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. The researchers are categorized based on the specific disciplines they helped enrich, and the rankings also serve as a measure of influence within the academic and scientific community worldwide. 

In celebration of World Heart Day, observed annually on September 29, Dubai Health has announced the launch of the 2024 edition of the ‘Nabadat’ campaign. This long-standing campaign is dedicated to providing life-saving heart treatments for patients with congenital heart defects, reflecting Dubai Health’s commitment to putting patients first in all its endeavors.

Now under Dubai Health, the campaign has expanded to include adults, reaffirming its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare for all. Driven by the Al Jalila Foundation, which leads Dubai Health’s giving mission, and in partnership with The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, the 2024This year, the campaign aims to provide life-saving treatment for 50 patients in need of cardiac care. Specialized medical teams in Dubai Health Hospitals will perform critical cardiac surgeries and catheterizations for children and adults who cannot afford treatment for congenital heart defects.  By delivering comprehensive care, including surgeries and post-surgical support, Nabadat continues to transform lives and bring hope to families in need.

Since the campaign's inception, Nabadat has delivered over 2,500 free surgeries, 6,000 medical tests, [AA1] and compassionate care across 45 treatment campaigns in nine countries with the support of over 300 healthcare professionals.

Salih Zahir Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment, said, “This campaign is a practical embodiment of our wise leadership's directives in providing essential treatment for children suffering from congenital heart defects worldwide. Nabadat was launched in Dubai as a charitable and compassionate campaign to treat children's hearts, both domestically and internationally. We aspire to treat the maximum number of children and adults across various regions globally to fulfil this ambitious humanitarian vision.”

Al Mazrouei emphasized that the foundation covers all costs associated with the operations conducted during campaigns held within and outside the country, providing the necessary logistical support to cover treatments for as many children as possible. He explained that since its inception, the Nabadat campaign has expanded and carried out 45 campaigns in nine countries. The campaign has performed free surgeries for children both within the UAE and abroad, focussing on the areas with the greatest need.

, Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, Chief Executive Officer of the Al Jalila Foundation, said, “We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Establishment for their continuous support of this campaign, whose long-standing partnership over the years reinforces the values of patient care and community service. At Al Jalila Foundation, we take great pride in leading Dubai Health’s giving mission which is centered around transforming lives. This year's Nabadat campaign, launched under Dubai Health for the first time, stands out as it has expanded to include both adults and children in need, ensuring that no one is left behind in receiving essential cardiac care. It reflects our broader commitment to making healthcare accessible to all, reinforcing our 'Patient First' promise.”

Speaking on World Heart Day, Salem bin Lahij, Director of Patient Care Programs at Dubai Health, said, “The Nabadat campaign represents hope and opportunity for families in need. Under Dubai Health, critical cardiac surgeries and catheterizations have been performed at Dubai Hospital and Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, delivering comprehensive, compassionate care that transforms lives and creates brighter futures. Each year, we strive to expand our reach, and by extending the campaign this year, we have underwent surgeries to 25 more children and adults, aiming to treat a total of 50 patients by the end of the year. We are proud of what this campaign has achieved so far, and we will continue our commitment to utilizing all resources within our healthcare system to provide the highest levels of care."

Let’s get moving together for a healthier team. We encourage everyone to participate in the various activities taking place across the city of Dubai.

Dubai Health announced a strategic partnership between Al Jalila Children’s Hospital and the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., aiming to bring about a significant shift in pediatric healthcare.

The announcement follows a series of mutual visits. In the latest such visit, Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, led a delegation to the headquarters of Children’s National Hospital. The visit included a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation and the Children’s National Research Institute, during which both sides discussed ways to further strengthen their strategic collaboration.

Partnership of 8 years

For over eight years, the partnership has focused on technology, specialized pediatric training, and improving healthcare quality for children. The expanded collaboration will now include several key areas, such as advanced systems development, data management, and increased access to pediatric care through innovations such as remote patient monitoring. Additionally, comprehensive and specialized training programs will be launched for healthcare professionals at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. Starting next year, a cohort of medical professionals will receive advanced training, integrating best practices and innovative care models from Children’s National Hospital to further elevate pediatric care standards.

“Together, we are deepening our shared commitment to advancing pediatric healthcare,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, President and CEO of Children's National Hospital. “This collaboration is about more than just exchanging knowledge – it's about building sustainable, innovative solutions that will improve health outcomes for children, both in the UAE and globally. We want to ensure every child receives the highest quality of treatment, no matter where they live.”

Leadership’s support highlighted

Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, said: “We are honored to visit the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, affiliated with the hospital, where the support of our wise leadership in fostering innovation and scientific research is evident both locally and internationally. I extend my deepest gratitude to the government of the UAE for providing us the opportunity to strengthen ties with the most prestigious health and scientific institutions in the world. This has opened new avenues for collaboration and created new opportunities for effective, impactful partnerships.

“Strengthening our partnership with Children’s National Hospital, one of the world’s leading pediatric institutions, underscores our commitment to advancing children’s health through our integrated academic health system. The collaboration aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and is aimed at building an efficient healthcare ecosystem that meets the highest global standards. It also reinforces Dubai’s position as a global leader in healthcare, medical education, and scientific research.

“We extend our gratitude to Children’s National Hospital for their invaluable collaboration in strengthening this partnership. Through this alliance, we aim to enhance children’s care with an evidence-based approach, aligning with Dubai Health’s core value of putting the patient first throughout the healthcare journey,” he added.

Dr. Mohammed Al Awadhi, Deputy CEO of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital and Latifa Hospital, added: “The strengthening of our partnership with Children’s National Hospital will continue our work to elevate the standard of care for children in Dubai and beyond. Specifically, it will enable us to enhance operational efficiency, particularly in pediatric subspecialties, ensuring the best possible care for every child.

“We will also work closely with the Children’s National Hospital on leadership training, quality improvement, intensive care practices, and other areas to enhance the efficiency of pediatric care at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital.”

In 2018, Al Jalila Children’s Hospital signed a health information technology (IT) agreement with Children's National Hospital. Leveraging its extensive expertise and resources, Children’s National Hospital served as a strategic advisor, helping Al Jalila Children’s Hospital expand its health IT capabilities to deliver the highest quality of care for children. Building on this collaboration, another agreement in 2022 focused on education and consulting services, resulting in Children’s National Hospital conducting specialized training for cardiac ICU nurses, significantly enhancing Al Jalila Children’s Hospital’s clinical capabilities.

Dubai Health showcased its latest advancements in healthcare technology and innovation at GITEX, the biggest tech and startup show in the world. This year’s event theme centers on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, with a particular focus on AI in health.

Teaming up with the Dubai Digital pavilion, Dubai Health is offering visitors a 20-minute journey that showcases how the integrated academic health system’s latest technological solutions are enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.

One of the key highlights of Dubai Health’s exhibit is the use of virtual reality (VR) technology at its Thalassemia Center, a solution currently being studied by Dubai Health’s Innovation and Digital Health team. This study aims to alleviate anxiety and pain during cannulation procedures. Patients wear VR headsets, immersing them in a therapeutic 3D environment designed to enhance comfort and overall experience during the procedure. This innovative, first-of-its-kind approach has the potential to transform the experience for patients, aligning with Dubai Health’s objective to elevate the standard of care and its vision to advance health for humanity.

In addition, Dubai Health’s Innovation and Digital Health team is also conducting a validation study on wearable ambulatory blood pressure monitoring technology using a smartwatch. The study evaluates the accuracy and effectiveness of this technology in delivering continuous blood pressure measurements, presenting a more convenient alternative to traditional methods. These initiatives underscore Dubai Health's ongoing efforts to incorporate advanced technology into healthcare to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery.

Another project on display is the Ambient Clinical Documentation Solution, a tool designed to enhance clinical documentation efficiency by leveraging Generative AI. This solution enables clinicians to verbally document patient encounters, significantly reducing the time required for documentation. This allows clinicians to spend more time and provide better experience to our patients. The voice notes are processed by an AI-driven system that generates specialty-specific clinical notes, which clinicians then review and sign.

Atif Al Braiki, Chief Digital and AI Officer at Dubai Health,  commented, “Our participation in GITEX 2024 underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to transform healthcare delivery. By integrating AI and other advanced technologies in our day-to-day care, we are proud to be showcasing how we are constantly adapting to enhance patient outcomes, streamline operations, and set new standards in healthcare innovation. In line with our commitment to healthcare excellence, integrating these technologies will help us to realize our vision of advancing health for humanity.”

Dubai Health’s presence at GITEX 2024, being held at the Dubai World Centre, is a testament to its dedication to remaining at the forefront of the technological healthcare revolution, harnessing innovations to put the patient first.